Kalyanak Mahima

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kalyanak Mahima" by Muni Ratnabodhivijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Kalyanak Mahima (The Glory of Kalyanakas) Author: Muni Ratnabodhivijay (Disciple of Acharyadev Shrimad Vijay Hemchandrasurishwarji) Publisher: Shree Ramjibhai Veljibhai Gala, Mulund, Mumbai.

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Kalyanak Mahima" is a devotional and informative book that details the profound significance and glorious events associated with the "kalyanakas" of Tirthankar Lords. A kalyanaka is a special, auspicious event in the life of a Tirthankar that brings well-being to the entire universe. The book aims to educate readers about the glory of these kalyanakas, inspire devotion towards the Tirthankaras, and encourage the practice of worshipping these auspicious events for spiritual upliftment.

Key Themes and Information:

1. Definition of Kalyanakas:

   • The book defines kalyanakas as the five significant life events of a Tirthankar that lead to the well-being of all beings in the universe.
   • These events are:
     • Chyavan Kalyanaka (Descent): The soul's descent from a celestial realm or hellish realm into the mother's womb.
     • Janma Kalyanaka (Birth): The birth of the Tirthankar.
     • Diksha Kalyanaka (Initiation): The renunciation of worldly life and embracing asceticism.
     • Kevalgyan Kalyanaka (Omniscience): Attainment of complete knowledge.
     • Nirvana Kalyanaka (Liberation): The soul's departure from the cycle of birth and death, achieving liberation.

2. Universal Significance of Kalyanakas:

   • It is emphasized that during each kalyanaka, for a moment, all beings across the fourteen Rajlokas experience happiness and a radiant light illuminates the universe. Even beings in hellish realms experience temporary relief from suffering.
   • The thrones of the celestial kings (Indras) tremble, signifying the immense importance and auspiciousness of these events.

3. The Tirthankar-Forming Karma:

   • A soul binds the Tirthankar-naming karma in its third-to-last life by cultivating profound compassion and the intention to benefit all beings. This karma guarantees their birth as a Tirthankar in their final life.

4. Detailed Description of Each Kalyanaka:

   • The book meticulously describes the unique and wondrous events that occur during each of the five kalyanakas, drawing from various Jain scriptures.

   • Chyavan Kalyanaka:

     • The soul's transition from its previous life.
     • The mother's experience of fourteen auspicious dreams (e.g., elephant, bull, lion, goddess Lakshmi, garland, moon, sun, flag, pitcher, lotus lake, ocean of milk, celestial chariot, pile of gems, smokeless fire).
     • The interpretation of these dreams, foretelling the child's future greatness and role as a Tirthankar.
     • The celestial reverence shown by Saudharmendra (King of the first celestial realm) towards the descending soul.
     • A table listing the Chyavan Kalyanaka dates for the 24 Tirthankaras of the current era.

   • Janma Kalyanaka:

     • The auspicious astrological configurations at the time of birth, with all planets in their highest positions.
     • The welcoming of the Tirthankar by the entire universe.
     • The ceremony performed by 56 Dikku-kumarikas (celestial maidens).
     • The grand celebration by 64 Indras at Mount Meru, involving bathing the infant Tirthankar with celestial waters.
     • The king's (father's) joy and the ten-day celebration in the city.
     • A table listing the Janma Kalyanaka dates for the 24 Tirthankaras.

   • Diksha Kalyanaka:

     • The Tirthankar's decision to renounce the world upon reaching adulthood.
     • The plea of the nine Lokantika Devas to initiate the establishment of the religious order.
     • The significant "Varshidaan" (year-long gifting ceremony) performed by the Tirthankar, where immense wealth and resources are distributed to the needy.
     • The final celestial bath.
     • The Tirthankar's symbolic renunciation of ornaments and garments.
     • The ritual of "Panchamushthi Loch" (plucking five fistfuls of hair).
     • The grand procession and the act of initiation.
     • The Tirthankar's unwavering and diligent spiritual practice thereafter.
     • A table listing the Diksha Kalyanaka dates, austerities, and the number of followers who joined initiation with each Tirthankar.

   • Kevalgyan Kalyanaka:

     • The Tirthankar's practice of severe austerities and enduring hardships (upasargas and parishahas).
     • The process of ascending the "Kshapakashreni" (path of karmic destruction).
     • The attainment of Kevalgyan (omniscience) after eradicating the four destructive karmas (Ghati karmas).
     • The miraculous establishment of the "Samavasarana" (divine assembly hall) by the gods.
     • The Tirthankar's arrival and sermon in the Samavasarana, leading to the formation of the four-fold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen).
     • The king's offering and the subsequent blessings from the Tirthankar's discourse.
     • A table listing the Kevalgyan Kalyanaka dates and austerities.

   • Nirvana Kalyanaka:

     • The Tirthankar's final vows of fasting and cessation of vital activities (yognirodh).
     • The process of entering the "Shaileyshikar" stage and the final destruction of the remaining four non-destructive karmas (Aghati karmas).
     • The soul's ascent to liberation (Siddhashila).
     • The celestial celebration of the Nirvana Kalyanaka by the gods, including the cremation of the body and the veneration of relics.
     • A table listing the Nirvana Kalyanaka dates, austerities, and the number of souls liberated with each Tirthankar.

5. Kalyanaka Sites and Timings:

   • The book includes tables detailing the specific locations (Bhoomi) and dates (Tithis) of the kalyanakas for all 24 Tirthankaras of this era, as well as for the 20 currently living Tirthankaras in the Mahavideh Kshetras.

6. Significance and Benefits of Worship:

   • The book explains that worshipping the kalyanakas provides specific spiritual benefits, such as avoiding difficult births, achieving higher rebirths, cultivating detachment, gaining true knowledge, and ultimately attaining liberation.
   • It highlights how worshipping the kalyanakas purifies the soul, increases devotion, and helps overcome worldly attachments and negative emotions.

7. Methods of Worship:

   • The book suggests various ways to worship the kalyanakas:
     • Visiting and spending time at the Kalyanaka sites.
     • Performing rituals like Ashtaprakari Puja (eight-fold worship), Deva-vandan, Pratikraman, fasting, and meditation.
     • Reciting specific mantras associated with each kalyanaka.
     • Celebrating the kalyanakas annually with grand festivities and devotion.
     • Creating devotional literature and performances related to the kalyanakas.

8. Appendices:

   • The book includes several appendices providing additional details about Tirthankara Lords:
     • Appendix 1: The six divine attributes of a Tirthankar's Varshidaan.
     • Appendix 2: The 35 qualities of a Tirthankar's speech.
     • Appendix 3: The 34 extraordinary attributes (Atishayas) of a Tirthankar.
     • Appendix 4: The unparalleled beauty of a Tirthankar's form.
     • Appendix 5: The immeasurable strength of a Tirthankar.
     • Appendix 6: The 18 defects from which Tirthankaras are free.

In Essence:

"Kalyanak Mahima" is a profound compilation that illuminates the sacred events marking the lives of Tirthankara Lords. It serves as a guide for devotees to understand, remember, and actively participate in the veneration of these auspicious occurrences, thereby fostering spiritual growth and drawing closer to the ultimate goal of liberation. The book is a testament to the author's deep devotion and scholarly effort in compiling such valuable spiritual knowledge.